Availability of Bourbons in Ohio

I have been drinking bourbon for a couple of years but just recently (last three months) began expanding my palate. I have purchased about 10 different brands and would love to increase this number. This board, while highly informative, is certainly not making me content with purchasing only the bourbons that I have already acquired for the rest of my life (shouldn't there be a disclaimer?!?!).

I live in Central Ohio and have hit about ten different liquor stores within reasonable driving distance (this seems to be what many of my lunch hours have consisted of lately), but it seems that they all carry the same variety. There have been a find or two, but there are a lot of bourbons out there that I would really like to get my hands on. Purchasing spirits for shipment into Ohio is prohibited and right now driving to KY/IN is not on my priority list.

Now for my question: Is/are there any resource(s) where I can find out what bourbons are for sale in Ohio and where exactly they can be found? I know the second part may be asking a bit too much, but I gotta try. I've tried the Ohio Division of Liquor Control website, but to no avail.

Are there any members here in the Central Ohio area that can suggest a store with a large stock of 'not-so-easy-to-find' bourbons? Or, at least a mom and pop place willing to order for me?

Thank you in advance for any information that can be provided, and thank you for all that I've already learned on this fine website.

Re: Availability of Bourbons in Ohio

Depending on where in Ohio you live, you might try a trip up to Michigan.

I grew up in Detroit and will be going there for the holidays. Washington State, where I live now, has state-run liquor stores, which is not the case in Michigan. I haven't been back since becoming interested in bourbon, and I'm hoping the trip will be fruitful in that respect. Ideally, a trip to one of the large party/liquor superstore-type place will yield some interesting finds.

You might also consider a trip to Chicago. Binny's is well known for its large selection.

Re: Availability of Bourbons in Ohio

You might try a google search with something like "ohio liquor stores." One of the results is this: /www.eliquorstores.com/ohio/

Clayton is right. You probably want to check out a liquor super store, or a specialty liquor store. The liquor stores in Northern California are generally pathetic. I call them "potato chip stores." They seem to sell mostly snacks, soft drinks and lottery tickets. There are some good specialty stores in my area. One specializes in Tequila, and the other specializes in Single Malt Scotch. Those stores have fairly good selections of American whiskey. The Beverages and More chain here is also good.

I really think it's bad when states don't allow the importation of good whiskey. But that subject is probably for another post at another time.

Re: Availability of Bourbons in Ohio

driving to KY/IN is not on my priority list.

With all due respect, if bourbon is on your priority list and you don't want to mail order (in a discreet brown box) then you're going to have to change one of your priorities. The liquor barn in Lexington is alot closer than Chicago. Heck, once you're there it's not too far for a distillery tour or two. or three..

Re: Availability of Bourbons in Ohio

I forgot to mention something. One issue is liquor store quality. The other is distribution quality. You can test the latter by trying to special order bourbon from the liquor stores in your area. The stores' distributors may have stuff that the stores are not carrying. The store owner should have a catalogue of things he can order.

So try to special order something. But be careful of being ripped off as far as price goes. You could go online to someplace like Binnys to check prices to get an idea of what your special order should cost you. But Binnys is probably going to be somewhat cheaper.

Re: Availability of Bourbons in Ohio

I also live in Ohio (Akron). You will find that as a Control State, Ohio stores will all have the same basic bourbon with very little to no rare items. You will need to get out of the state. As others have pointed out, "If the mountain can't go to Mohammad then Mohammad must go to the mountain." Make the weekend trip to KY and hit the Liquir Barn. (Take LOTS of money)

I just got back from TX and picked up a Eagle Rare and a Joseph Finch.

Re: Availability of Bourbons in Ohio

The Party Source-just take the I-471 bridge over the Ohio River from Cincinnati. Great selection-even has 4 Roses because it is in Kentucky. The prices are really good there. Oh yes, the sales tax is lower in Kentucky, than in Ohio.

Re: Availability of Bourbons in Ohio

Three of best-stocked states in the country -- Kentucky, Indiana and Tennessee -- are within a day's drive from you, two on your borders. It may be that your only chance at some of the many bourbons mentioned here is to hit the road.